Cotton soft cheesecake

Fluffy Cotton Soft Cheesecake: A Light and Tasty Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Servings: 8

In the world of desserts, cheesecake holds a special place, and its fluffy version, known as 'Cotton Soft Cheesecake', is truly a culinary gem. With a velvety texture and delicate flavor, this cheesecake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a romantic dinner, or simply a quiet evening at home. The origins of this recipe are lost in history, but what we know is that it was created to bring joy and comfort with every bite.

Necessary ingredients:

- 200 ml milk (choose fresh, whole milk for a richer taste)
- 300 g cottage cheese (preferably creamy cottage cheese, without large chunks)
- 60 g soft butter (make sure it's at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 6 eggs (at room temperature for an even emulsion)
- 150 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 60 g flour (type 000 flour is ideal for a fine texture)
- 20 g starch (corn starch is the most commonly used)

Step by step for a perfect cheesecake:

1. Preparing the base mixture:
Start by placing the milk and cottage cheese in a double boiler. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until you achieve a homogeneous composition. This will form the creamy base of the cheesecake. It is essential not to let it boil, just to warm it up. Once homogenized, add the butter and mix well. Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Beating the egg yolks:
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with 50 g of sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly creamy and light in color. This will add a natural sweetness and an airy texture. Add the cheese and milk mixture, gently stirring to avoid lumps.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
Add the flour and starch to the cheese and yolk mixture, gently mixing until everything is well incorporated. Avoid over-mixing, as you want to keep the air in the composition.

4. Beating the egg whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites at medium speed until they start to form soft peaks. Do not overbeat, as the egg whites should not be so firm that they do not integrate well into the mixture.

5. Combining the egg whites with the mixture:
Add the beaten egg whites to the cheese mixture, gently folding with a spatula in a folding motion. The goal is to maintain the air in the egg whites to achieve a fluffy texture.

6. Preparing the pan and baking:
Choose a pan with a diameter of about 24 cm, preferably with removable walls. Line the inside with parchment paper, ensuring it is well secured. Wrap the outside of the pan with 3 layers of aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in. Place the pan in a larger tray and fill with water up to halfway up the sides of the pan. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture, which should have a consistency similar to sour cream. Bake at 150 degrees Celsius for 90 minutes, being careful to check the water level in the tray and topping up if necessary.

7. Cooling and serving:
After the cheesecake is done, let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 30 minutes to prevent cracking. Once completely cool, remove it from the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to develop and the texture to stabilize.

8. Cutting and serving:
When you are ready to serve, cut the cheesecake with a wet knife to get nice slices. You can decorate it with fresh fruits, caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips:

- Chocolate version: You can add 50 g of melted chocolate to the cheese mixture for a chocolate cheesecake.
- Fruits: Add berry puree to the mixture for a fruity taste, or serve with a berry sauce.
- Sugar: If you want a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheesecake is a lighter option compared to traditional versions, having a lower calorie and fat content due to the use of cottage cheese and the baking method in a water bath. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can this cheesecake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cheesecake, but make sure it is well wrapped to prevent excessive freezing.

2. Why is it important to let the cheesecake cool in the oven?
Gradual cooling helps prevent cracking and ensures an even texture.

3. Can I use another type of cheese?
Although cottage cheese is ideal, you can also try ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture.

Pairings and serving suggestions:
This fluffy cheesecake pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a fruit tea, and for a complete dessert, try it alongside crunchy cookies or warm caramel sauce.

With these tips and steps, you will be able to prepare a fluffy Cotton Soft cheesecake that will impress everyone. Don't forget to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every delicious bite!